Bergendal Country Villas offers quality 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments which is perfect for all investors

Bergenzicht Country Estate

The Number 1 Tax Incentive for Property...

Thornbury Gardens

The Number 1 Tax Incentive for Property...

One on Whiteley

Recognizing the demand for more luxury living within the stylish and centrally-located Melrose Arch precinct in Sandton, One on Whiteley comprising of 197 luxury upmarket apartments has been...

Tweespruit

Each house has two bathrooms, a lock-up garage and beautiful modern internal finishings. The village also features state of the art security.
Bond Registration and Attorney costs are excluded in the...

Grand Verdeau

Grand Verdeau | Wellington is an incredible investment opportunity. These 2 bedroom apartments are spaciously designed and are 60m² in size with superior finishes.
Transfer costs are included in...

Pimlico Place

Sandown forms part of the Tableview and Blouberg neighbourhood on the western seaboard of Cape Town.
Bond Registration costs are included in the purchase price (VAT Included)
Occupation starting...

Risks and rewards of buying property off-plan

The idea of being able to buy a brand new, ‘never-been-lived-in’ home can be very appealing, but building from scratch can be an expensive and stressful commitment.

This is according to Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group, who says buying off-plan can be the perfect compromise.

“Buying off-plan is a great option for people who want something new, fresh and customisable, but are intimidated by the thought of building, and don’t have the budget, time or experience to do major renovations on an existing home,” says Clarke.

It can also be a great investment, under the right circumstances, he says.

“Plenty of developments appreciate in value significantly over the building period, raising the price of units two or three times before completion. If you buy early on, you can often make a significant profit selling just a year or two later, once the development is complete and showing at its best.”

Financing can also be easier to come by when buying into a development, especially when that development has been approved by one or more banks.

“You generally only need a small deposit to secure your purchase, and in the case of sectional title developments, transfer only takes place once the building of your section is complete, which means you’ll have months to save up before you need to start paying off your bond,” says Clarke.

New developments are also typically free of transfer duty, although Clarke admits that this is not always the dramatic saving it may appear to be.

“You don’t pay transfer duty, but you do pay VAT, and that can give the impression of purchasing a more valuable property than you really are.”

He says that while the purchase price may be R1 million, the property’s real value will be the purchase price minus VAT, thus R 877 192.98.

“It’s not that the property is more expensive than it should be, it’s just that the additional costs are not as clearly separated as when you buy an existing house.”

This is just one of the many reasons, Clarke says, he recommends doing some very thorough research before buying into a development, not only to educate yourself on the process, but to get an idea of the neighbourhood and the value of similar properties that have sold nearby.

In addition to that, Clarke says not all developments are equal, and he stresses the importance of investigating the developer’s track record, financial standing, workmanship and reliability.

“Net yield or return is also a good indicator for potential investors who want a good rental, and I would recommend contacting your local rental agent for information about market related rentals in the areas of your choice,” says Clarke.

“When you’re basing a purchase decision on nothing more than a set of architectural plans and artist’s impressions, it’s incredibly important to be able to trust that your developer is capable, and willing, to deliver on their promises.”

Clarke says to double check things like specifications of finishes to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting, always have a professional look over your contract to make sure that your interests are being protected, and make sure you know your facts about the guarantees provided by your developer and the NHBRC.

With good developers, Clarke says he believes buying off-plan is no more risky than any other property purchase, perhaps less so if quality guarantees are in place.

If you’re willing to take the leap of faith required to buy something that does not yet exist, and have done the necessary research into the developer and neighbourhood you’ll be buying into, you stand a good chance of finding yourself with a rapidly appreciating asset for a minimal investment.

The IGrow External articles are sourced from the best authors and property news publicists South Africa has to offer. Follow the external articles to stay update with all latest Property Investment news.

The IGrow Investment Group, together with associated companies, provide services that include education in property investment, financing, risk management, accounting, structuring, the administration of trusts, rental management and financial planning.Learn More About Us

Quick Contact

Are you a Property Developer?

IGrow provides strategic marketing, costing and structuring advice regarding the size, price, layout and specifications of the units to be built, to maximise returns for the developer, helping developers sell out their residential developments as quickly as possible.Enter your details and our New Development Project Co-Ordinator will call you back to discuss your Development.